Plans approved for beloved Tenby church - but some changes made after storm of protest

The controversial plans for Tenby’s iconic St Julian’s Church have been approved - with conditions - by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).

The 19th century harbour side building has been at the centre of a storm of protest after a £100,000 scheme to bring it in line with the 21st century were revealed.

Church leaders said the work would create ‘a vibrant, fully-equipped church that attracts worshippers again, whilst at the same time, respecting its history and position in the life of Tenby as Christ’s haven in the harbour’.

Campaigners who initially voiced fears that the project would remove the ‘heart and soul’ from the building said this week that they were ‘preliminarily pleased’ with the outcome of the DAC meeting.

This called for the retention of the church’s brass plaques on the window sills and memorials, its Good Shepherd picture and old painted zinc frieze.

The committee asked for all internal walls of the building to be smooth lime-rendered and felt that the proposed cross-shaped skylight would be ‘inappropriate’ and would set a precedent to other churches.

Said Sarah Williams on behalf of the Save St Julian’s Campaign: “The committee has reacted in a sympathetic way to the plans, and these conditions (if they are adhered to) should result in a much more contoured design and refurbishment than the original plans.

“The Good Shepherd picture remaining in situ is one of our goals accomplished, as is the zinc frieze.

“We are also pleased that the cruciform roof light has been disallowed, as the lightening of the walls will brighten the church to a satisfactory level.”

The committee also suggested a stained glass design depicting the Fishermen’s Chapel in the plain windows on the church’s south-east wall, and recommended that storage cupboards and drawers could be created from some of the good wood from the pews, which are being replaced with chairs.

St Mary’s Parochial Church Council previously said that the little church ‘has reached a moment of decision in its life’.

It added, “Either it remains as it is - a liturgically-redundant and physically run-down curiosity for visitors - or it is re-ordered and re-launched with its own unique ministry for the 21st century.2 -wiring, replacing window frames, resolving damp problems, installing heating and lighting, with a small extension for a kitchenette, toilet and storeroom are amongst the works in the scheme.

Comments (4)

What's the betting that most of those ppl who kicked up a"storm" over the changes to this church NEVER EVER visited this church, never contributed a penny to it's upkeep or went to a Church service (bit like those folk who moan about local and town centre shops but drive off to Tescos?)

What's the betting that most of those ppl who kicked up a"storm" over the changes to this church NEVER EVER visited this church, never contributed a penny to it's upkeep or went to a Church service (bit like those folk who moan about local and town centre shops but drive off to Tescos?)Tttoommy

Tttoommy wrote:
What's the betting that most of those ppl who kicked up a&quot;storm" over the changes to this church NEVER EVER visited this church, never contributed a penny to it's upkeep or went to a Church service (bit like those folk who moan about local and town centre shops but drive off to Tescos?)

I think you will find that they have in fact been in the church. Old, young, even people from America who have visited Tenby and gone into St Julians, I for one am fed up of the doubters of our campaign, Clergy who refuse to even acknowledge that we exist, a Diocese who are incommunicado, and a Tenby Public who never knew there were plans until WE broke the story to the Press! The Church in Wales (and Clergy) want to "attract more worshippers", so the THOUSANDS who visit St Julian's every year aren't welcome now?
There has to be a question raised on £100,000 being spent when poverty exists in Pembrokeshire??

[quote][p][bold]Tttoommy[/bold] wrote:
What's the betting that most of those ppl who kicked up a"storm" over the changes to this church NEVER EVER visited this church, never contributed a penny to it's upkeep or went to a Church service (bit like those folk who moan about local and town centre shops but drive off to Tescos?)[/p][/quote]I think you will find that they have in fact been in the church. Old, young, even people from America who have visited Tenby and gone into St Julians, I for one am fed up of the doubters of our campaign, Clergy who refuse to even acknowledge that we exist, a Diocese who are incommunicado, and a Tenby Public who never knew there were plans until WE broke the story to the Press! The Church in Wales (and Clergy) want to "attract more worshippers", so the THOUSANDS who visit St Julian's every year aren't welcome now?
There has to be a question raised on £100,000 being spent when poverty exists in Pembrokeshire??SaveStJulians

Tttoommy wrote:
What's the betting that most of those ppl who kicked up a"stormPerhaps you have a stronger claim to speak about the future of our church? If so, we'd love to hear it. If not, please get your facts right.

[quote][p][bold]Tttoommy[/bold] wrote:
What's the betting that most of those ppl who kicked up a"stormPerhaps you have a stronger claim to speak about the future of our church? If so, we'd love to hear it. If not, please get your facts right.darkcelt